EDI Arts & Culture Fund

EDI Arts & Culture Fund is sponsored by Denver Arts & Venues. The Denver Arts & Venues EDI Arts & Culture Fund supports individuals, organizations, and community projects through the City and County of Denver's Human Rights and Community Partnerships (HRCP) Commissions and the Office of Children's Affairs.

DAV Arts & Culture Fund | Denver Arts & Venues Catrinas en Mi Ciudad installation at the Denver Performing Arts Complex DENVER CREATES: A Collective Commitment to the Arts is a community-driven roadmap guided by a vision to foster and grow a thriving, inclusive and resilient creative and cultural ecosystem in Denver for everyone.

Launched in May 2025 by Denver Arts & Venues, the DENVER CREATES Fund will provide grants of up to $10,000 in the creative sector and cross-sector partnerships for programs and projects that align with goals and outcomes outlined in the DENVER CREATES cultural plan and contribute to the creative and artistic vibrancy of the city.

This fund will focus on the following commitments and underlying strategies: Commitment #1: Broaden access to arts and culture Advance Equity and Access in Arts and Culture Funding Reduce Barriers to Audience Engagement Support Arts and Culture in Neighborhoods Commitment #2: Cultivate the Cultural Community Amplify Denver’s Cultural Successes and Reputation Build Cross-Sector Collaborations Integrate Artists in Community Decision-Making Build Arts Leadership and Education Commitment #3: Support the economic vitality of Denver’s cultural sector Increase Access and Affordability of Arts Spaces Expand Arts and Culture Funding Retain Local Talent and Resources Applications Open: August 13th – September 14th, 2026 Information Session: August 19th, 12-1pm Notifications: Mid-November Disbursement: December/January Please note: Eligible programs may begin in August 2026, prior to award notification and grant fund distribution.

Any expenses incurred before the grant agreement is executed and funds are distributed are the responsibility of the applicant. DAV will host an online information session for interested applicants covering the program's background, guidelines and the application process on Wednesday, August 19th from 12:00-1:00 PM MST . Register below to receive the Zoom link and a recording of the meeting when it becomes available.

The following eligible applicants may apply for new or existing programs: Cultural institutions, nonprofit (501c3) entities and for-profit entities, educational institutions, neighborhood and community-based organizations, and individuals, regularly doing work within the City and County of Denver.

Applicants based outside of the City and County of Denver can apply for funding, but the program must take place in the City and County of Denver. Programs must take place in the City and County of Denver. Both new and existing programs are eligible, including the launch, continuation, or expansion of programming that aligns with the goals of the Denver Creates Fund.

Eligible grant-supported activities must take place between August 2026 and December 2027. Programs must have a project manager who will initiate, plan, implement and track impact of the program. Applicants must be in good standing with Denver Arts & Venues to be eligible for funding.

Good standing includes, but is not limited to: Registered businesses and organizations must be able to provide a Certificate of Good Standing upon request. No outstanding payments or unpaid invoices with Denver Arts & Venues. No outstanding reports, documentation, or grant requirements for previously funded Denver Arts & Venues grants, projects, or programs.

Denver Arts & Venues is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all programs, initiatives and decision-making processes. Proposed initiatives should align to support these values. Applicants should consider how their project is accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities.

Accessibility should be considered throughout the planning, design, and implementation of the project, including any public programming or events associated with it.

Grant funds must be used for eligible expenses that directly support the planning, design, implementation, and documentation of the proposed program, including: Planning, Design & Personnel Program management, staff, and administrative support Community organizers or volunteer coordinators Contractor and artist fees Other personnel directly supporting the project Materials, Supplies & Implementation General supplies and material Equipment rentals (e.g., audio/visual equipment, tents, tables, etc.) Community Engagement, Accessibility & Documentation Community outreach, marketing, and engagement activities Translation, interpretation, and other accessibility services that support public participation Printed materials, signage, and project communications Photography, videography, and other project documentation Grant funds may not be used for: Activities or expenses unrelated to the approved program Projects that restrict public participation or access based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected status The purchase of land, buildings, or other facilities Routine maintenance, operations, or retroactive reimbursement for completed programs Cash reserves or endowments Expenses incurred outside of the funding period Political campaigns or legislative issues Award Administration & Grantee Responsibilities Awarded grantees will work in partnership with DAV throughout the grant period to support successful program implementation, amplify awareness of funded programs through promotional and marketing opportunities, document outcomes, and celebrate community impact.

Grantees are expected to: Participate in a required onboarding meeting with DAV program manager(s) to review award requirements, funding process, program expectations, reporting, and the grant implementation process. Designate a program manager who will serve as the primary point of contact and oversee the implementation and administration of the funded program.

Provide an anticipated program implementation plan, including key milestones or events, and maintain regular communication with your DAV program manager(s) throughout the grant period regarding program progress, significant changes, and any challenges that may affect successful implementation. Share information about public-facing programs, events, and major milestones with DAV to support marketing and promotional opportunities.

Whenever possible, provide at least 30–60 days' advance notice of public events. Acknowledge the support of DAV in program materials, marketing, and promotional communications in accordance with the City's branding requirements. Complete all funded program activities by December 2027.

A final wrap-up for, is required within 30 days of the completion of the funded program or project.

Denver Arts & Venues will provide a reporting link to collect information and materials that document the project's outcomes and impact, which may include: Photos and/or videos of the project or program Attendance and participation numbers Audience demographic information (if collected) Testimonials, participant feedback, or community impact stories Media coverage, press mentions, and promotional materials Final project outcomes, accomplishments, and key learnings Any additional documentation that demonstrates the project's impact This information helps Denver Arts & Venues evaluate program outcomes, share success stories, and demonstrate the collective impact of funded projects.

Before beginning your application, we recommend gathering the following information and materials: Program description, location(s), timeline, goals, and implementation plan. Identified community need and programmatic approach to addressing it. Community engagement plans and intended participants or audiences.

Program alignment with the strategies of the DENVER CREATES cultural plan. Identified individual or organization leading the project, including relevant experience and capacity. Confirmed and potential project partners, including their roles and contact information.

Required Documentation Includes: Upload a detailed budget outlining how funds will be allocated (using the provided template or your own budget format). Include all anticipated project income and expenses, in-kind contributions, costs for materials, labor, administrative costs, artist fees, and any other relevant expenses.

Project Concepts & Examples You can upload up to 3 files (or a PDF containing multiple pages and links) that help illustrate your project's concept, goals, and intended impact. Materials may include images, renderings, sketches, site plans, reference materials, audio, video, or other supporting documentation that provides visual or contextual understanding of your proposed project.

You may also include a 2-minute video introducing yourself and/or your project, including its goals, intended impact, community engagement, or other information that would help reviewers better understand your proposal. Selection Review and Scoring Criteria A selection committee comprised of community representatives and members of the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs will review all proposals.

The following factors and criteria will be used in the selection process. Please note the weighting percentage for each area. Connection to DENVER CREATES: A Collective Commitment to the Arts: Proposals should clearly explain how the artistic, creative or cultural program reflects one or more of the commitments of DENVER CREATES (Read the full DENVER CREATES roadmap here).

Commitment #1: Broaden Access to Arts and Culture Advance equity and access in arts and culture funding Reduce barriers to audience engagement Support arts and culture in neighborhoods Commitment #2: Cultivate the Cultural Community Amplify Denver's cultural successes and reputation Build cross-sector collaborations Integrate artists in community decision-making Build arts leadership and education Commitment #3: Support the economic vitality of Denver's cultural sector Increase access and affordability of arts spaces Expand arts and culture funding Retain local talent and resources Program's Impact and Relevance: Proposals should clearly describe the benefit and impact on the community.

Feasibility and Planning: Programs should be well-defined, with clearly defined goals, budget and leadership. It is our hope and commitment that our grantmaking portfolio is reflective of the diversity of culture and artistic disciplines throughout our city, as well as responsive to the communities' needs and representative of the communities served.

To that end, we strive to ensure a balanced and representative portfolio through our grantmaking process. SEE THE 2025-2026 GRANT RECIPIENTS HERE Applicants should consider how their project is accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. Accessibility should be considered throughout the planning, design, and implementation of the project, including any public programming or events associated with it.

Projects must make every effort to comply with applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Resources and guidance are available through the Americans with Disabilities Act at ada. gov and the Denver Office of Disability Rights at 720-913-8485.

Denver Arts & Venues complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender or language. It is your right to request oral or written language assistance services in your primary language, if needed. Please contact Denver Arts & Venues and these services will be provided to you free of charge.

For more information, please contact Lisa Gedgaudas, Cultural Affairs Program Manager.